MLB Free Agency: Latest Status Updates of Each Team's Contract-Year Stars

With players getting into the swing of things as spring training winds down, it may be a bit premature to speculate on moves that teams will be considering toward the end of the season, the winter meetings or even into spring training next year.

But as the season rolls on, some teams will no doubt look to position themselves for the future, whether immediate or long-term.

Every team inevitably finds themselves in the situation where they need to decide on whether or not certain free agents will be retained.

Whether or not any moves happen prior to the end of the season remains to be seen, but here are some players making headlines in every organization as we dive head first into Opening Day.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Joe Saunders

At one point this past offseason, it appeared as though Joe Saunders' days in Arizona may be over.

But after non-tendering the starting pitcher, the Diamondbacks eventually worked out a deal for his return.

He's disappointed this spring, however, going 0-2 with an ERA approaching 10.00 in four starts, making for two consecutive springs with a WHIP over 2.30.

Atlanta Braves: Michael Bourn

Speedy outfielder Michael Bourn has led the league in stolen bases a few times already during his young career, twice swiping more than 60 bags.

On top of that, he appears to be improving at the plate every year and will no doubt continue to have his chances to steal bases.

Bourn recently reiterated that the Atlanta Braves haven't approached him about a contract extension, and with his desire to not negotiate during the season, the team may opt to move the Scott Boras client if they feel a deal won't get done.

Baltimore Orioles: Endy Chavez

The Baltimore Orioles will utilize outfielder Endy Chavez this season, after agreeing to a one-year deal that could pay him up to $2 million including performance incentives.

While he opted to sign with the Orioles during the offseason, the New York Mets, Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers were all linked to Chavez and by virtue of that could be considered as potential suitors if he performs well in 2012.

Boston Red Sox: Daisuke Matsuzaka

Dice-K went 33-15 in his first two seasons with the Red Sox, finishing fourth in the Rookie of the Year voting in 2007.

He's made only 44 starts in the past three seasons, however, and is expected to miss time early this season as he awaits a return from the Tommy John surgery he underwent last July.

The Red Sox will have a big decision to make when they determine whether or not to continue using Matsuzaka after the season, as he's expected to return in early June, with the rest of the season likely acting as a bit of an audition for his future.

Chicago Cubs: Marlon Byrd

Given Marlon Byrd's openness to being traded this winter, you'd have to believe he's not planning on staying in Chicago once his contract ends after the 2012 season.

It's getting to the point where the Cubs are even showing some willingness to eat a portion of his contract in order to ship him out.

Whoever does end up getting Byrd's services in 2013 and beyond will be getting a career .281 hitter who has averaged 12 home runs and 63 RBI over the past five seasons, playing with the Rangers and Cubs.

Chicago White Sox: Gavin Floyd

As the Chicago White Sox signed John Danks to an extension, ensuring that he'll be in the rotation for years to come, the team indirectly opened the door further to possibly move Gavin Floyd.

They may not be actively shopping the services of Floyd, but a team like the Boston Red Sox, who could use another arm in the starting rotation, may be interested in making a play for him.

Cincinnati Reds: Scott Rolen

Playing in only 65 games this past season, Scott Rolen struggled offensively, batting his lowest average since 2005 and seeing his power averages drop along with it.

With the possibility of the Cincinnati Reds going in a different direction at third base, the soon-to-be 37-year-old Rolen could be looking for a new home next offseason, something he's not contemplating at this point, focusing rather on playing this year out.

Cleveland Indians: Travis Hafner

During the peak of his career, Travis Hafner was torturing American League pitchers as he averaged 32 home runs per season from 2004 to 2007.

He's run into issues staying on the field since then, but if healthy, he can still definitely be a home run threat in the Indians lineup. Either way, it's looking more and more like this will be Hafner's last season in Cleveland.

Colorado Rockies: Jeremy Guthrie

Having spent virtually his entire career with the Baltimore Orioles, Jeremy Guthrie has had his share of both successes and struggles.

He's led the league in losses a couple times in the past few years, but Guthrie could still represent a realistic option for some teams' rotations moving forward assuming he can put up a decent 2012 campaign with the Colorado Rockies.

Detroit Tigers: Delmon Young

After fizzling out as a former top pick of the Tampa Bay Rays and failing to live up to expectations in Minnesota, Delmon Young seems to have found some life in this league with the Detroit Tigers.

His performance in last year's postseason will likely help him out heading into 2012, and with 2013 being his first year as a true free agent, a good showing this season could help him find a good payday.

Houston Astros: Carlos Lee

Carlos Lee is entering the final year of a $100 million deal with the Houston Astros in 2012, and while he certainly won't command the same salary when he hits free agency, he could still be a valuable pickup for a team in need of a veteran bat, though he has some unique no-trade clauses that could impact where he heads.

During the five years Lee has spent in the Lone Star state, he's averaged 26 home runs and 101 RBI per season, while batting .286 with a .824 OPS.

Kansas City Royals: Jonathan Sanchez

In acquiring Jonathan Sanchez from the Giants to take a place in their rotation, the Kansas City Royals gave up Melky Cabrera, who represented one of their more consistent offensive pieces in 2011.

Sanchez should provide a solid option for the Royals rotation, who will need to count more and more on their starters now that Joakim Soria is set to miss the 2012 season.

Los Angeles Angels: Bobby Abreu

The Los Angeles Angels will no doubt be one of the most looked-at teams this season, after their active offseason included signings of both C.J. Wilson and Albert Pujols to huge contracts.

One player who hopes to be in on the action is Bobby Abreu. In the final year of a three-year, $27 million deal, he even took his case so far as to tell ESPN Deportes he wants to be traded if he's not given an everyday role.

Since he spoke out in that manner, however, he seems to have rescinded the demand, becoming more accepting of a backup role on the Halos.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Andre Ethier

After a dominant 2009 season in which he hit 31 home runs en route to a sixth-place MVP finish and Silver Slugger award, Andre Ethier saw a slight decline over the past two seasons, playing in fewer games with slightly less inflated slugging numbers.

He'll have a lot to prove in 2012, and if he remains healthy, he should produce enough to warrant a large enough deal from another franchise if the Dodgers aren't able to work out a contract extension.

With the ownership situation in Los Angeles finally being settled, it would seem that Ethier would feel more comfortable with staying in a Dodgers uniform, but he's indicated it's just too early to say.

Miami Marlins: Anibal Sanchez

Anibal Sanchez hasn't posted an ERA above 4.00 since 2008, and in 2010 saw a career-high 13 wins come his way.

With 2012 as his last year under the Marlins' control, Sanchez could cash in on the open market with another strong season, though his continual shoulder issues could hinder his chances at equaling the best that the market has to offer.

Milwaukee Brewers: Shaun Marcum

The Milwaukee Brewers will have their hands full this offseason, with Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum heading into free agency after this season.

It's hard to believe the Brewers won't make a very strong push to keep Greinke in a Brewers uniform, but the team has already stated, according to Adam McCalvy, that they're very willing to let Marcum test the open market in free agency.

Minnesota Twins: Francisco Liriano

Francisco Liriano's tenure with the Minnesota Twins has certainly been one filled with ups and downs. He has shown the ability to be a very effective strikeout pitcher, maybe even an ace, but his inconsistent production has raised some concerns.

His name hasn't been brought up in trade talks for quite some time, but with free agency looming and a lot to prove this year, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Twins ship Liriano out of Target Field rather than work out a long-term deal for the enigmatic starter.

New York Mets: D.J. Carrasco

Playing for his fifth team in seven years last year, D.J. Carrasco appeared in 42 games for the New York Mets, posting a 1-3 record and 6.02 ERA.

With Bobby Parnell and Miguel Batista potentially taking up the final spots in the Mets bullpen, the team's hand may be forced, with the team potentially dealing Carrasco.

New York Yankees: Mariano Rivera

With Mariano Rivera currently pitching on a one-year deal with the New York Yankees, you have to wonder if the 42-year-old closer will hang up his cleats after this season.

Though he's obviously in a different situation, Andy Pettite's decision to return to the game has certainly made Rivera think deeper about when he's going to retire, and how he'll know he's actually made the right decision.

Oakland Athletics: Brandon McCarthy

With a breakout season in 2011, Brandon McCarthy posted his first sub-4.00 ERA and won a career-high nine games in 25 starts.

Assuming he builds on his progress in 2012, McCarthy will be one of many starters looking to cash in next offseason.

Philadelphia Phillies: Cole Hamels

With a number of great options set to enter free agency, 28-year-old Cole Hamels could be a good fit in a number of rotations on teams in need of help.

The lefty posted a career-low 2.79 ERA en route to a 14-win campaign in 2011, and though the team apparently offered him a contract similar to Jered Weaver's, it'll take something a lot more like Matt Cain's to get a deal done.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Kevin Correia

The Pittsburgh Pirates have a great starting pitcher in their system in the highly touted Gerrit Cole, and a somewhat established presence in A.J. Burnett already in the starting rotation.

Kevin Correia is currently listed as the third starting pitcher on the Pirates depth chart, but the team is apparently willing to entertain deals surrounding the free-agent-to-be.

San Diego Padres: Carlos Quentin

The San Diego Padres made a great move this offseason in acquiring slugger Carlos Quentin from the Chicago White Sox.

Quentin is in his final year before free agency, and keeping in mind that he'll be looking to cash in on his first opportunity at a lucrative deal, you would think the Padres may be quick to flip him to the highest bidder rather than let him walk.

There's no doubt that the team would love to keep Quentin around long term, but as the Chicago Tribune has reported, the team's ownership situation could certainly diminish his chances of returning in 2013.

San Francisco Giants: Matt Cain

For a while, it seemed as though the contract situation surrounding Matt Cain would be a cloud that hung over the San Francisco Giants all season long.

Just days before the start of the season, however, the Giants have paid up, with Cain receiving the richest contract ever handed out to a right-handed pitcher (per USA TODAY).

With that distraction out of the way, Cain can get down to business and have himself the most productive season yet.

Seattle Mariners: Brandon League

With 2012 being Brandon League's final season before entering the free-agent market, the Seattle Mariners could work to trade him to a team in need of the late-inning help in order to inject the farm system with additional depth.

Teams like the Reds, Angels and Red Sox have been noted as potential suitors for League, and as the season shakes itself out and needs are better defined, a move may well take place.

St. Louis Cardinals: Kyle Lohse

With a no-trade clause in tow, it wouldn't be entirely surprising to see Kyle Lohse stay in St. Louis throughout 2012.

The team did, however, make it known this winter that it would like to move either him or Jake Westbrook, and if Lohse could warm up to the idea of some new scenery, there would likely be some takers for his services.

Tampa Bay Rays: B.J. Upton

B.J. Upton will likely be one of the top free-agent outfielders in next year's market, possibly putting him out of reach for some teams in needs of help there—but a player with his talent can be hard to pass up.

He's had some down numbers over the past two seasons, but with a 23-home run campaign in 2011, Upton is showing that he's got the combination of power and speed that's always in demand.

Earlier this year it appeared that the Washington Nationals were interested in Upton's services, but it seems that their infatuation has since cooled.

Texas Rangers: Josh Hamilton

The Texas Rangers will have their hands full next offseason with Ian Kinsler set to make a large sum of money and Josh Hamilton in need of a lucrative deal.

Despite some issues with his health and off-the-field issues in recent seasons, Hamilton is still one of the most dominant offensive players in the league with production that's hard to replace, yet the outfielder has stated that he believes he'll be entering free agency after this season.

Toronto Blue Jays: Edwin Encarnacion

Edwin Encarnacion is one of many Toronto Blue Jays contributing to the team's ascent towards the top of the tough AL East.

He's only played over 100 games four times during his career, that has spanned both the Blue Jays and Cincinnati Reds, but he'll certainly be in line for a raise from the two-year, $6 million deal he's playing with right now.

Washington Nationals: Edwin Jackson

Signing Edwin Jackson to a one-year, $11 million contract this offseason, the Washington Nationals sent a clear signal that they're in it to win it this year, as they have ace Stephen Strasburg set to hold down the top spot in the rotation and also acquired Gio Gonzalez from Oakland.

If Jackson can make the most of his year with the Nationals, the 28-year-old starter should be in line for a significant payday, with starters like Matt Cain already off next offseason's free-agent market.